MNI BRIEF: Japan Dec Exports Rise First In Two Months

Japan's exports posted the first y/y rise in two months in December, up 9.8% vs. November's 0.2% fall, due to increased automobile and auto parts exports, data released by the Ministry of Finance showed on Wednesday.

Automobile exports rose 35.9% in December, accelerating from 16.3% y/y in November, while auto-part shipments rose 13.6% vs. November's 10.2% fall. The data was largely within the Bank of Japan's view.

Imports fell 6.8% y/y in December, it ninth straight monthly drop, slowing from November's 11.9% decline. Japan posted a trade surplus of JPY62.1 billion, its first in three months, following November's JPY780.4 billion deficit.

Exports to China, Japan's largest trading partner, rose 9.6% in December for the first rise in 13 months following November's 2.2% fall, due to higher semiconductor and automobile trade. Exports to the U.S. rose 20.4% in December for the 27th straight rise following 5.3% in November.